Bible: Mal 3:1-6

3:1“I am about to sendmy messenger,1who will clearthe waybeforeme. Indeed, the Lord2youare seekingwill suddenlycometohis temple, and the messenger3of the covenant, whomyoulong for, is certainlycoming,” saysthe Lordwho rules over all.

3:2Who canendurethe dayof his coming? Who cankeep standingwhenhe appears? Forhe will be like a refiner’s fire,4likea launderer’ssoap.3:3He will actlike a refinerand purifierof silverand will cleansetheLevitesand refinethem like goldand silver. Thenthey willoffer the Lorda properoffering.3:4The offerings5of Judahand Jerusalem6will be pleasingto the Lordas in formertimesand yearspast.

3:5 “I7 will cometoyou in judgment. I will bequickto testifyagainst those who practice divination, those who commit adultery, those who breakpromises,8and those who exploitworkers, widows, and orphans,9who refuse to help10 the immigrant11and in this way showthey do notfearme,” saysthe Lordwho rules over all.

Resistance to the Lord through Selfishness

3:6 “Since, I, the Lord, do notgo back on my promises,12you, sonsof Jacob, have notperished.